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HULL CONFIRM MOA TO ANSWER THE ROOSTERS' CRY

Hull FC have confirmed that Tongan forward Sam Moa will be returning to Australia at the end of the season to join the Sydney Roosters.

The Black and Whites prop has been a popular player in East Yorkshire having arrived at the club as a ‘project’, before going on to prove himself as one of the competition’s most effective forwards.

However, despite mulling over a new contract offer from the club, Moa has decided to return to Australia for family reasons and is delighted to be able to secure a two-year contract with Sydney Roosters.

“I have had a really special time with Hull and enjoyed every minute of it, not only around the club and with the team but meeting so many people around the city too, so I’m thankful for that, “ said Moa.

“The club and the fans have been great to me, Hull FC gave me an opportunity four years ago and I wouldn’t be in this position now if it wasn’t for them, the coaching staff and the players I have had around me.

“However, the good times in life bring with it some tough decisions. With my family moving back to Australia last year it was a tough call to stay in Hull for another year, but it was one I was keen to do.

“Now though the time feels right to go back, I need to be closer to my partner and around my family so it’s a move I make with the best wishes and with fond memories of the club.”

He added, “I want to go on record to thank everyone who has supported me during my time at the club, from all the players to staff and the fans, I am very grateful.”

It’s a sad end to Moa’s career with Hull having seen his season ended abruptly due to a serious arm injury.

However, despite not having the fitting end he had been hoping for, Hull FC head coach Peter Gentle says he can still leave the club with his head held high and with the best wishes of everyone.

“You never know, Sam might still make it back in time to play again this year should we have a decent run in the finals, but if he doesn’t, he knows he has still had a great career with Hull FC and played his part,” he said.

“He is a popular player and a big part of the club, on and off the field, so he’ll be missed I’m sure.

“We made him a significant offer to stay with us, which he gave plenty of consideration too, however, he has decided the time is right to head home and we understand the rationale behind that.

“We wish him all the very best in his future career with Sydney Roosters.”

Moa has enjoyed a remarkable few seasons in Super League having arrived at the club as a lesser known bustling prop forward, before leaving as one of the competition’s most feared hit men.

Since his debut against Huddersfield Giants in 2009, where he needed some altered shorts to ensure he could play, he has trimmed down into a fine athlete and gone on to make 78 committed appearances for Hull, scoring 7 tries.

Having joined the club four years ago from Cronulla Sharks, he now returns to the NRL with the Roosters where he’ll link up with former Hull FC captain Craig Fitzgibbon, who is involved with the conditioning and rehab staff at the Australian club.